IPB University and Xiamen University strengthened their academic cooperation with the signing of the renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held at Xiamen University (7/11). The MoU document was signed directly by the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria and the Vice President of Xiamen University, Prof Dalin Shi. 

The cooperation between the two universities has been going on since 2006 to 2008, initiated by Prof Yusli Wardiatno through a sandwich program that allows IPB University’s Graduate School (SPs) master program students to spend one semester studying at Xiamen University.

The IPB University delegation at the signing ceremony included Prof Yusli Wardiatno (Vice Dean of SPs for Academic, Student Affairs, and Alumni), Prof Luky Adrianto (Director of the International Research Institute for Maritime Affairs, Marine and Fisheries), Prof Tridoyo Kusumastanto (Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IPB for the 2019-2024 Period), Prof Hefni Effendi (Chairman of the Department of Aquatic Resources Management/MSP), Dr Ayu Ervinia (MSP Department Teaching Staff) and Dr Surya Gentha Akmal (Researcher at the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies). 

In the MoU, IPB University and Xiamen University committed to continue various collaborative programs in education and research, especially those related to coastal and marine resources and ecosystems.

Prof Arif Satria in his speech said, “Indonesia really sees the importance of marine cooperation with China considering the technological advances that have been achieved by China over the past decade. 

“The importance of China is also shown by making China the first country visited by President Prabowo after his inauguration,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof Yusli Wardiatno explained that the cooperation with the College of the Environment and Ecology Xiamen University can be integrated with the Multidisciplinary Study Program (Prodi), namely the Natural Resources and Environmental Management Study Program (PSL) and other related study programs such as the Coastal and Marine Resource Management Study Program (SPL) through programs such as joint degree, joint research, joint supervisor or sandwich program.

“Hopefully this collaboration will provide opportunities for SPs IPB University students to enhance their international experience,” he explained.

In addition to the MoU, the event was also followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK) IPB University, represented by the Chair of the MSP Department Prof Hefni Effendi and the Dean of the College of the Environment and Ecology Xiamen University Prof Yonglong Lu represented by the Deputy Dean Prof Xinhong Wang. This agreement agreed on the concept of “Sister Mangrove Station” which will strengthen research collaboration between the two universities in the field of observation and monitoring of mangrove ecosystems and their management.

This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the monitoring and preservation of mangrove ecosystems, while strengthening academic relations between the two countries. This collaboration also opens opportunities for students and researchers from both universities to exchange knowledge and enrich research experiences in the marine field. On this occasion, the IPB University delegation visited the National Observation and Research Station for Taiwan Strait Marine Ecosystem (Zhangjiang Base) as a comparative study effort.